The wild mustang saga in Iredell County is almost over. Animal Services officials say two more of the runaway horses were safely captured on Wednesday, bringing the tally to nine of the ten that bolted from a private property on May 11. One horse is still loose, and county crews are continuing to sweep roads, fields and other potential danger zones where the herd has been spotted. Investigators say the owners have now been charged, accused of failing to properly confine the horses and of not cooperating as required during the recovery effort.
County confirms nine recovered
In a June 3 news flash, Iredell County Animal Services reported that two additional mustangs had been captured, pushing the total to nine of the ten that escaped on May 11. According to the county, all nine recovered horses are now securely confined, while staff continue to patrol likely impact zones and respond to tips and sightings from residents.
Where the horses were seen
The mustangs were first reported loose on May 11 and were seen running along major roadways, including Interstate 40 and U.S. 70, prompting warnings to drivers, as reported by the Charlotte Observer. Sightings clustered around the Eufola Road and Lewis Ferry Road area, and authorities used drones and State Highway Patrol units while tracking the animals.
Owners charged
In a May 20 notice, Iredell County Animal Services identified the owners as Kameron Steele of Harmony and Favor Springs of Gastonia and said both were charged under N.C.G.S. 68-16 for allowing livestock to run at large and for failing to provide required cooperation during the recovery efforts. Local outlets, including WSOC, reported that the operation to round up the horses also drew in the Bureau of Land Management and the State Highway Patrol.
Legal consequences
According to the state code, G.S. 68-16 makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor in North Carolina to allow livestock to run at large. Class 3 misdemeanors are criminal offenses, and sentencing is handled under statewide guidelines.
What residents should do
Officials are again warning residents and rescue groups not to approach or try to capture the remaining mustang. Sudden contact can spook a horse and drive it into traffic or other hazards. The Charlotte Observer notes that anyone who spots the horse should immediately report the location to Iredell County Animal Control at 704-878-5424 or contact local law enforcement.
